.
SABBATH
i
:
QUARTERLY
SCHOOL
.
LESSON
No. 110
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CAL., OCTOBER, 1922
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A STUDY OF
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idea is traced back to the days of Abraham. Points
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and the Sabbath schools of to-day are shown. The
part that Bible schools had in the work of the Ref-
ormation is well set forth. The story of Robert
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lated, and the personal touch is given by connecting
with it the experience of one of our own members
who taught in the Raikes system of schools.
Coming down to modern times, the story of how
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come the giant oak of to-day, is told. The descrip-
tion of the early schools of the denomination is
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of the work is traced through its various stages of
organization. Vital statistics are given in attrac-
tive form. The illustration showing Elder James
White writing the first series of Sabbath school
lessons, using his lunch basket for a desk, is an ap-
propriate frontispiece. The reading of this booklet
should deepen appreciation of what the Sabbath
school stands for, and inspire all to greater en-
deavors in its behalf.
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A STUDY OF BIBLE CHARACTERS
Lesson
1
Joseph and His 'Brothers
OCTOBER 7, 1922
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Genesis 37.
LESSON HELP: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 208-212.
Daily Study Outline
1.
Jacob and his sons, questions 1-4.
2.
The beginning of trouble, questions 5-8.
3.
A wicked conspiracy, questions 9-11.
4.
A strange sale, questions 12-14.
5.
A plan to deceive, questions 15-18.
6.
Read the Lesson Help.
7.
Review the lesson.
Questions
1.
Upon reaching his native land• after his long exile in
Haran, where did Jacob make his home? Gen. 35: 27;
37: 1.
2.
How many sons had Jacob? Gen. 35: 23-26.
3.
What is said of Joseph when he
was
seventeen years of
age? What suggests a lack of harmony in spirit among
the sons of Jacob? Gen. 37: 2. Note 1.
'4. How did Jacob regard Joseph? By what act did he show
special fondness for him? Verse 3. Note 2.
5.
What two things aroused the hatred and jealousy of
Joseph's brothers against him? Verse 2, last part;
verse 4.
6.
What third cause added to their bitter feelings? Verse 5.
7.
What was the dream which greatly angered Joseph's
brothers? Verses 6-8.
8.
What dream brought a rebuke from his father? Verses
9-11.
9.
Upon what errand did Jacob send Joseph at this time?
Verses 12-14.
10.
When his brothers saw Joseph coming, what did they con-
spire to do? How was his death to be brought about?
Verses 18-20.
11.
Who interceded for Joseph? What did he propose? How
was his advice followed? Verses 21-24. Note 3.
12.
While the brothers were eating their meal, whom did they
see approaching? Verse 25.
13.
What did this passing caravan suggest to Judah? What
suggestion did he make ? Verses 25-27.
14.
To whom was Joseph sold? For what price? Verse 28.
Note 4.
4
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
15.
How was Reuben affected when he discovered that Joseph
was not in the pit? Verses 29, 30.
16.
To what deception did the brothers resort, to cover their
guilt? Verses 31, 32.
17.
Upon seeing Joseph's coat, what did Jacob conclude?
How did he show his grief ? Verses 33-35. Note 5.
18.
To whom did the Midianites sell Joseph upon reaching
Egypt? Verse 36.
Notes
1.
"The sin of Jacob, and the train of events to which it
led, had not failed to exert an influence for evil,— an influence
that revealed its bitter fruit in the character and life of his
sons. As these sons arrived at manhood, they developed
serious faults. The results of polygamy were manifest in the
household. This terrible•evil tends to dry up the very springs
of love, and its influence weakens the most sacred ties. The
jealousy of the several mothers had embittered the family re-
lation, the children had grown up contentious, and impatient
of control, and the father's life was darkened with anxiety
and grief.
"There was one, however, of a widely different charac-*
ter,— the elder son of Rachel
, Joseph, whose rare personal
beauty seemed but to reflect an inward beauty of mind and
heart. Pure, active, and joyous, the lad gave evidence also
of moral earnestness and firmness."—"Patriarchs
and
Prophets," pp. 208, 209.
In Gen. 49: 26, Joseph is spoken of as one "that was
separate from his brethren."
2.
Joseph's coat of many colors was not an inharmonious
combination of colors curiously wrought together, as some
have supposed. The Oriental people are very fond of highly
contrasting colors. The more colors wrought into it, the more
costly and uncommon the garment. The Oriental style of
coat is usually long and flowing, and when made up of highly
colored silks and velvets and embroidered with gold thread,
presents an elegant appearance. This was doubtless the kind
of garment Jacob made for Joseph, and it signified his great
esteem for the lad. But Joseph's possession of this costly
coat was the cause of much jealousy among his brothers.
"Jacob unwisely manifested his preference for Joseph, and
this excited the jealousy of his other sons. As Joseph wit-
nessed the evil conduct of his brothers, he was greatly
troubled; he ventured gently to remonstrate with them, but
only aroused still further their hatred and resentment. He
could not endure to see them sinning against God, and he
laid the matter before his father, hoping that his authority
might lead them to reform.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
5
"Jacob carefully avoided exciting their anger by harsh-
ness or severity. With deep emotion he expressed his solici-
tude for his children, and implored them to have respect for
his gray hairs, and not to bring reproach upon his name; and
above all not to dishonor God by such disregard of His pre-
cepts. Ashamed that their wickedness was known, the young
men seemed to be repentant, but they only concealed their real
feelings, which were rendered more bitter by this exposure.
"The father's injudicious gift to Joseph of a costly coat, or
tunic, such as was usually worn by persons of distinction,
seemed to them another evidence of his partiality, and excited
a suspicion that he intended to pass by his elder children, to
bestow the birthright upon the son of Rachel."— Id., p.
209.
3.
"They [Joseph's brothers] would have executed their
purpose but for Reuben. He shrunk from participating in the
murder of his brother, and proposed that Joseph be cast alive
into a pit, and left there to perish; secretly intending, how-
ever, to rescue him, and return him to his father. Having
persuaded all to consent to this plan, Reuben left the com-
pany, fearing that he might fail to control his feelings, and
that his real intentions would be discovered."—
Id.,
p.
211.
4.
"The patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into
Egypt." Acts 7: 9. Envy signifies malice, ill will, spite,
chagrin, mortification, discontent, or uneasiness at the sight of
another's excellence or good fortune; a repining at the pros-
perity or good of another. The wise man asks, "Who is able
to stand before envy?" Prov. 27: 4. The beginning of the
history of the children of Israel was marked with envious
hatred against their younger brother, Joseph. Near the end
of their history as a nation, they manifested the most in-
tensely bitter hatred, even unto death, against ;their Elder
Brother, Jesus. Joseph was the tender and most beloved son
of his father, through whom he desired communication with
his children; but his brothers sold him for twenty pieces of
silver. Jesus was the only Son of God, through whom God
emptied His infinite heart
.
of love upon His fallen sons of
earth; but they sold Him for thirty pieces of silver.
5.
Jacob did not go into his grave mourning for Joseph,
as he thought he would. God was only sending Joseph be-
forehand into Egypt to preserve Jacob and his family in the
time of famine. That which at times seems to be against us
may be working for our salvation.
LESSONS FOR THE FIRST Q1CARTER OF 1923
Lesson Topic: The Epistle of James
This will be a book study, taking up the entire epistle, verse
by verse.
6
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
Lesson 2 - Joseph's First Experiences in Egypt
OCTOBER 14, 1922
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Genesis 39; 40; 41: 1-44.
LESSON HELP: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 213-223.
Daily Study Outline
1.
The Lord with Joseph, questions 1-4.
2.
Joseph's integrity tried; Joseph imprisoned,
questions 5-S.
3.
Two dreams and their interpretation, ques-
tions 9-15.
4.
Pharaoh's dreams, questions 16-19.
5.
Joseph honored, questions 20-22.
6.
Read the Lesson Help.
i.
Review
the lesson.
Questions
1.
What became of Joseph when he was brought to Egypt?
Gen. 39: 1. Note 1.
2.
Who was with Joseph in his service? What was the re-
sult? Where did Joseph live? Verse 2. Note 2.
3.
What discernment did Potiphar manifest? In what posi-
tion did he place Joseph? From that time, what did
the Lord do for
•
Potiphar ? Verses 3-5. Note 3.
4.
How far did this confidence in Joseph extend? What was
Joseph's outward appearance ? Verse 6.
5.
By what experience was the sterling integrity of Joseph
soon tried? Verses 7-18. Note 4.
6.
Notwithstanding his right principles and unblemished life,
what was done to Joseph? Verses 19, 20.
7.
How does the psalmist describe the severity with which
Joseph was treated when first imprisoned? Ps. 105:
17, 18.
8.
Whom did Joseph have with him in the prison? What
favor did this give to Joseph in the eyes of the prison
keeper ? Gen. 39: 21-23.
9.
What two noted persons were later committed to the
prison? What responsibility was given to Joseph in
connection with them? Gen. 40: 1-4.
10.
What experience came to them both in the same night?
What effect did these dreams have upon them ? Who
observed it? What question did Joseph ask?
Verses 5-7.
11.
What did they answer? What was Joseph's reply?
Verse 8.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
7
12.
What was the chief butler's dream? How did Joseph in-
terpret it? Verses 9-13.
13.
Upon what experience did Joseph base the reason for the
appeal he made to the chief butler? Verses 14, 15.
14.
What was the dream of the chief baker? How was it in-
terpreted? Verses 16-19.
15.
How fully were these interpretations proved true? What
ingratitude did the chief butler show toward Joseph?
Verses 20-23.
16.
What two dreams troubled Pharaoh two years later?
Gen. 41: 1-7.
17.
What circumstances now brought Joseph to the attention
of Pharaoh? Verses 8-13.
18.
Upon hearing the chief butler's story, for whom did
Pharaoh send? What did he say to him? What was
Joseph's reply? Verses 14-16.
19.
How did Joseph give honor to God before Pharaoh?
What did he say the dreams meant? Verses 28-32.
20.
What advice did Joseph then give to Pharaoh? How did
the king receive this counsel? Verses 33-38:
21.
To what place of power and trust did Pharaoh then raise
Joseph? In what manner did he announce this promo-
tion? Verses 39-44. Note 5.
22.
What is the supreme lesson taught by the experience of
Joseph? Note 6.
Notes
1. "Joseph with his captors was on the way to Egypt.
As the caravan journeyed southward toward the borders of
Canaan, the boy could discern in the distance the hills among
which lay his father's tents. Bitterly he wept at thought of
that loving father in his loneliness and affliction. . . . What a
change in situation — from the tenderly cherished son to the
despised and helpless slave! Alone and friendless, what
would be his lot in the strange land to which he was going?
For a time, Joseph gave himself up to uncontrolled grief
and terror. . . .
"Then his thoughts turned to his father's God. In his
childhood he had been taught to love and fear Him. Often
in his father's tent he had listened to the story of the vision
that Jacob saw as he fled from his home an exile and a fugi-
tive. He had been told of the Lord's promises to Jacob, and
how they had been fulfilled,— how, in the hour of need, the
angels of God had come to instruct, comfort, and protect him.
And he had learned of the love of God in providing for men
a Redeemer. Now all these precious lessons came vividly be-
fore him. Joseph believed that the God of his fathers would
8
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
be his God. He then and there gave himself fully to the Lord,
and he prayed that the Keeper of Israel would be with him
in the land of his
exile."—"Patriarchs and Prophets," pp.
213, 214.
2.
"Arriving in Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar,
captain of the king's guard, in whose service he remained for
ten years. He was here exposed to temptations of no ordinary
character. He was in the midst of idolatry. The worship of
false gods was surrounded by all the pomp of royalty, sup-
ported by the wealth and culture of the most highly civilized
nation then in existence. Yet Joseph preserved his simplicity,
and his fidelity to God. The sights and sounds of vice were
all about him, but he was one who saw and heard not. His
thoughts were not permitted to linger upon forbidden sub-
jects. The desire to gain the favor of the Egyptians could
not cause him to conceal his principles. Had he attempted
to do this, he would have been overcome by temptation; but
be was not ashamed of the religion of his fathers, and he
made no effort to hide the fact that he was a worshiper of
Jehovah."—
Id.,
p. 214.
3.
"The marked prosperity which attended everything
placed under Joseph's care was not the result of a direct
miracle; but his industry, care, and energy were crowned with
the divine blessing."—
Ibid.
4.
"Joseph's faith and integrity were to be tested by fiery
trials. His master's wife endeavored to entice the young man
to transgress the law of God. Heretofore he had remained
untainted by the corruption teeming in that heathen land;
but this temptation, so sudden, so strong, so seductive,—
how should it be met? Joseph knew well what would be the
consequence of resistance. On the one hand were conceal-
ment, favor, and rewards; on the other, disgrace, imprison-
ment, perhaps death. His whole future life depended upon
the decision of the moment. Would principle triumph?
Would Joseph still be true to God? With inexpressible
anxiety, angels looked upon the scene."— Id.,
p. 217.
5.
"The love and fear of God kept Joseph pure and un-
tarnished in the king's court. He was exalted to great wealth
;
to the high honor of being next to the king; and this elevation
was as sudden as it was great. It is impossible to stand upon
a lofty height without danger. The tempest leaves unharmed
the modest flower of the valley, while it wrestles with the
lofty tree upon the mountain top. There are many men whom
God could have used with wonderful success when pressed
with poverty,— He could have made them useful here, and
crowned them with glory hereafter,— but prosperity ruined
them; they were dragged down to the pit, because they forgot
to be humble, forgot that God was their strength, and became
independent and self-sufficient.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
9
"Joseph bore the test of character in adversity, and the
gold was undimmed by prosperity. He showed the same
sacred regard for God's will when he stood next the throne as
when in a-prisoner's cell. Joseph carried his religion every-
where, and this was the secret of his unwavering fidelity."—
"Testimonies," vol. 4, P.
544.
6. "There are few who realize the influence of the little
things of life upon the development of character. Nothing
with which we have to do is really small. The varied circum-
stances that we meet day by day are designed to test our
faithfulness, and to qualify us for greater trusts. By ad-
herence to principle in the transactions of ordinary life, the
mind becomes accustomed to hold the claims of duty above
those of pleasure and inclination. . . .
"An upright character is of greater worth than the gold
of Ophir. Without it none can rise to an honorable eminence.
But character is not inherited. It cannot be bought. Moral
excellence and fine mental qualities are not the result of ac-
cident. The most precious gifts are of no value unless they
are improved. The formation of a noble character is the
work of a lifetime, and must be the result of diligent and per-
severing effort. God gives opportunities; success depends
upon the use made of
them."—"Patriarchs and Prophets," pp.
222, 223.
Lesson 3 — Jacob Sends to Egypt for Corn
OCTOBER
21, 1922
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Genesis 41 : 46-57; 42; 43.
LESSON HELP:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 224-228.
Daily Study Outline
1.
Joseph as ruler of Egypt, questions 1-3.
2.
Joseph's brothers in Egypt, questions 4-9.
3.
Strange discoveries, questions 10-13.
4.
Planning a second trip, questions 14-17.
5.
The brothers in Joseph's home, questions
1S-22.
6.
Read the Lesson Help.
7.
Review the lesson.
Questions
1.
How old was Joseph when he was made ruler over all
Egypt ? To what special work did he give attention ?
Gen. 41: 46-49.
2.
How did he honor God in the naming of his sons? Verses
50-52. .
10
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
3.
What followed the seven years of plenty? How exten-
sive was the famine? How were the needs of the
people in Egypt and elsewhere supplied? Verses
53-57. Note 1.
4.
Hearing that there was corn in Egypt, what did Jacob
ask his sons to do? Who remained at home with
Jacob? Gen. 42: 1-4. Note 2.
5.
Along with others, who came before Joseph to buy corn ?
How did these men appear before him ? In what man-
ner did Joseph speak to them? Verses 5-9. Note 3.
6.
How did they protest their innocence? What did they
say of themselves? Verses 10-13.
7.
In what way did Joseph think to test their truthfulness?
Upon what course did he decide? Verses 14-20.
8.
To what previous experience did the brothers attribute
their present difficulty? What were Reuben's re-
proachful words? Verses 21, 22.
9.
How did these words affect Joseph? Whom did he
order to be bound? Verses 23, 24. Note 4.
10.
What strange thing did Joseph do as preparations were
made for the homeward journey to Canaan? How
was this discovered by one of the brothers? What
effect did this have upon them all? Verses 25-28.
11.
What did the sons of Jacob relate to him on their
return? Verses 29-34.
12.
What discovery caused them still greater fear? What
did the aged father now say? Verses 35, 36. Note 5.
13.
What proposal did Reuben then make to his father? How
did Jacob reply ? Verses 37, 38.
14.
When Jacob requested his sons to go to Egypt a second
time for food, of what did Judah remind him? Gen.
43: 1-5.
15.
What fault did Jacob find with them? How did his sons
reply? Verses 6, 7.
16.
What touching appeal did Judah then make? What
surety did he offer to his father? Verses 8-10.
17.
In yielding to their request, what did Jacob instruct his
sons to do? Verses 11-14.
18.
In what manner were the brothers received on their
arrival in Egypt? How did this affect them? Verses
15-18.
19.
How did they try to get the sympathy of Joseph's
steward? How did he try to comfort them? Verses
19-23.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
11
20.
How did the brothers again show honor to Joseph? What
questions did Joseph ask? How did the sight of his
brother Benjamin affect Joseph? Verses 24-30.
21.
What did Joseph then do for them all? What caused the
brothers to marvel? Verses 31-34. Note 6.
22.
What lessons may we learn by considering Joseph as a
type of our Lord? Note 7.
Notes
1.
Brugsch Bey discovered inscriptions which tell how "for
seven successive years the Nile did not overflow, and vegeta-
tion withered and failed, that the land was devoid of crops, and
during these years famine and misery devastated the land
of Egypt."
2.
How long a journey had the ten brothers? "One of
from ten to twelve days. They would go from Hebron over
the hills westward to the seacoast plains, and then along the
great caravan road through Philistia southward, and then
the long, hot journey through the desert to the gfeat wall
bordering Egypt, where they would be stopped and examined
before being allowed to continue their course to the capital.
It was the road over which the sadly wronged Joseph had
been led twenty years before. How often during the journey
those ten men must have thought of that!"—
P_eloubet.
3.
"We are not to suppose that Joseph personally sold the
grain to all buyers, but that he ordered the selling of it, and
set the price upon it; and very probably when a company of
foreigners came to purchase in large quantities, they were in-
troduced personally. to Joseph, that he might inquire concern-
ing them and give direction as to the sale of grain to them."—
Speaker's Commentary.
4.
"On his [Joseph's] return, he commanded that Simeon
be bound before them, and again committed to prison. In
the cruel treatment of their brother, Simeon had been the
instigator and chief actor, and, it was for this reason that the
choice fell upon
him."—"Patriarehs and Prophets," p. 226.
5.
"Jacob said, 'All these things are against me.' It was
a great mistake. Joseph was alive — the governor of Egypt
— sent there to preserve their lives, and to be the stay of
Jacob's closing years. Simeon was also alive—the blessed
link which was drawing and compelling his brothers to return
into the presence of the strange Egyptian governor. Ben-
jamin would come safely back again. All things, so far from
being against him, were working together for good to him;
and if only he would trust in God, he would live to
see
it so.
All things are yours, if you are Christ's. All things serve you.
Even those that seem most awry and trying are really pro-
moting your best interests. . . . Let us cultivate the 'habit of
looking at the bright side of things. If there are only a few
12
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
clouds floating in your sky, do not state that the whole is
overcast; and if all the heaven is covered, save one small chink
of blue, make much of that; and by all means do not exagger-
ate the darkness."—
Meyer.
6.
Twenty years before, the jealousy of Joseph's brothers
would not permit them to see Joseph better loved than them-
selves. Now, to test them, Joseph .sends Benjamin a portion
of food five times as great as that given the others. They
show no spirit of jealousy at the partiality shown Benjamin.
There were no sullen looks, no spiteful whispers, no envious
glances toward the fortunate younger brother.
7.
"Joseph, in giving corn to save his own brethren and
the Egyptians from starvation, is a type of our Lord, who
gives the bread of life to Jew and gentile — to all that come
to Him in their hopeless need. And in this return of the full
money in the sacks we are reminded that salvation is with-
out money and without price. Whatever we bring to enrich
Christ He returns to us. His gifts are all of His unmerited
grace and favor. Very often we move forward with dread
into the unknown; but that dread is the child of ignorance.
If only we realized that love is waiting for us there, which
does not ask for balm and honey, for spices and myrrh, but
just for ourselves, how much happier life would become! Lift
up your hearts; a feast awaits you !"—
Meyer.
Lesson 4 — Joseph Makes Himself Known to
His Brothers
OCTOBER 28, 1922
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Genesis 44; 45.
LESSON HELP: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 229-232.
Daily Study Outline
1.
An accusation, questions 1, 2.
2.
Vain attempts to prove innocence, questions
3-5.
3.
A brave appeal, questions 6-S.
4.
Joseph reveals himself, questions 9-13.
5.
Joseph provides for his family, questions
14-17.
6.
Read the Lesson Help.
7.
Review the lesson.
Questions
1.
After entertaining his brothers at dinner, what instruc-
tion did Joseph give to his steward? Gen. 44: 1, 2.
2.
After his brothers had started home, what accusing
message was sent to them? Verses 3-6.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
13
3.
How did they endeavor to show that they were true and
honest men ? Verses 7-9.
4.
How far did the steward accept their final proposition?
What did they immediately do? What were the re-
sults? Verses 10-13.
5.
What did Joseph feign to know? Verses 14, 15. Note 1.
6.
What did Judah say? What was Joseph's reply?
Verses 16,47.
7.
What are the principal features of the eloquently touch-
ing speech made by Judah? Verses 18-34. Note 2.
8.
What effect did Judah's.words have upon Joseph? Gen.
45:1, 2. Note 3.
9.
What did he first say to his brothers ? How did they
feel when Joseph made himself known? How did
Joseph try to reassure them? Verses 3, 4.
10.
What wonderful providence did Joseph see in the ex-
periences which brought him into Egypt? Verses 5-8.
Note 4.
11.
What message did he send to his father? Verses 9-13.
12.
How did he further show his love for his brothers?
Verses 14, 15.
13.
What effect did this news concerning Joseph's brothers
have upon Pharaoh and his house? What message
•
did Pharaoh send through Joseph to his brothers?
Verses 16-20.
14.
What did Joseph now do for them all? For Benjamin?
For his father? With what final injunction did he
send them away? Verses 21-24.
15.
When they returned home and told Jacob this wonder-
ful story, what effect did it have upon him? Verses
25, 26.
16.
What became of his unbelief and despondency? What
did he now say? Verses 27, 28.
17.
What humiliating confession now became necessary on
the part of Joseph's ten brothers ? Note 5.
Notes
1. "This cup was supposed to possess the power of de-
tecting any poisonous substance placed therein. At that day,
cups of this kind were highly valued as a safeguard against
murder by poisoning. . . .
"The brothers rent their garments in token of utter
wretchedness, and slowly returned to the city. By their own
promise, Benjamin was doomed to a life of slavery. They fol-
lowed the steward to the palace, and finding the governor
yet there, they prostrated themselves before him. 'What deed
14
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
is this that ye have done?' he said. l'srot ye not that such a
man as I can certainly divine?' Joseph designed to draw
from them an acknowledgment of their sin. He had never
claimed the power of divination, but was willing to have them
believe that he could read the secrets of their
lives."—"Patri-
archs and Prophets," p. 229.
2.
Note the following on the speech of Judah:
"The speech is the finest specimen of dignified and per-
suasive eloquence in the Old Testament."—"International
Critical Commentary."
"In all literature there is nothing, more pathetic than this
appeal of Judah."—
F. B. Meyer.
"It is a literary gem. It is unstudiedly artful and un-
forcedly rhetorical. It is sustained, pathetic, simple, dra-
matic."— W.
W. White, Ph. D.
"It is a more moving oration than ever orator. pro-
nouiiced."—
Lawson.
3.
"Joseph was satisfied. He had seen in his brothers .the
fruits of true repentance. Upon hearing Judah's noble offer,
he gave orders that all but these men should withdraw;
then weeping aloud, he cried, 'I am Joseph; doth my father
yet live?'
"—"Patriarchs and Prophets," p. 230.
4.
"God made Joseph a fountain of life to the Egyptian
nation. Through Joseph the life of that whole people was
preserved. Through Daniel God saved the life of all the wise
men of Babylon. And these deliverances were as object les-
sons; they illustrated to the people the spiritual blessings of-
fered them through connection with the God whom Joseph and
Daniel worshiped. So through His people to-day God desires
to bring blessings to the world. Every worker in whose heart
Christ abides, every one who will show forth His love to the
world, is a worker together with God for the blessing
of
humanity."—"Testimonies," vol. 6, p. 227.
5.
"Another act of humiliation remained for the ten
brothers. They now confessed to their father the deceit and
cruelty that for so many years had embittered his life and
theirs. Jacob had not suspected them of so base a sin, but
he saw that all had been overruled for good, and he for-
gave and blessed his erring children. . .
"Jacob had sinned, and had deeply suffered. Many years
of toil, care, and sorrow had been his since the day when his
great sin caused him to flee from his father's tents. A home-
less fugitive, separated from his mother, whom he never
saw again; laboring seven years for her whom he loved, only
to be basely cheated; toiling twenty years in the service of
a covetous and grasping kinsman; seeing his wealth increas-
ing and sons rising around him, but finding little joy in the
contentious and divided household; distressed by his daugh-
ter's shame, by her brothers' revenge, by the death of Rachel,
by the unnatural crime of Reuben, by Judah's sin, by the cruel
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
15
deception and malice practiced toward Joseph,- how- long
and dark is the catalogue of evils spread out to view! Again
and again he had reaped the fruit of that first wrong deed.
Over and over he saw repeated among his sons the sins of
which he himself had been
guilty."-"Patriarchs and
Prophets," pp. 232, 237, 238.
Lesson
5
- Jacob in Egypt
NOVEMBER 4, 1922
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Genesis 46: 1-7, 26-34; 47: 5-12, 27-
31; 50: 7-26.
LESSON HELP: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 232-240.
Daily Study Outline
1.
Moving to Egypt, questions 1-4.
2.
A child of God blesses a king, questions 5-8.
3.
Death and burial of Jacob, questions 9-11.
4.
Revival of an old fear, questions 12-14.
5.
Death of Joseph, questions 15-17.
6.
Read the Lesson Help.
7.
Review the lesson.
Questions
1.
What assurance was given to Jacob concerning his re-
moval to Egypt? What promise of deliverance from
Egypt was given? Gen. 46: 1-4. Note 1.
2.
Who went with Jacob into Egypt? Verses 5-7, 26, 27.
3.
Into what part of Egypt were the Israelites directed?
How did Joseph show honor to his father? How did
Jacob express his contentment? Verses 28-30.
4.
What plans did Joseph make for the establishment of
his people in the land of Goshen? Verses 31-34.
Note 2.
5.
How did Pharaoh show his satisfaction with the arrange-
ment? Gen. 47: 5, 6.
6.
What occurred when Joseph presented his father to the
king? Verses 7-10. Note 3.
7.
What temporal prosperity attended the children of Israel
in Egypt? Verses 11, 12, 27.
8.
In what providential manner had God, years before, led
in Joseph's life, to bring about this result? Gen. 45: 5.
9.
How long did Jacob sojourn in Egypt before his death?
Gen. 47: 28.
10.
When he was about to die, what promise did he ask of
Joseph? Verses 29-31.
16
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
11.
How fully did Joseph keep his promise ? Gen. 50: 7-9,
12, 13.
12.
After the burial of Jacob, what fear did Joseph's brothers
entertain ? Verses 14, 15. Note 4.
.13. How did they seek to obtain the favor of Joseph?
Verses 16-18.
14.
What did Joseph say to them? How did he again point
out the providence of God in connection with his ex-
perience? Verses 19, 20.
15.
How many years was Joseph in Egypt? Verse 22;
Gen. 37: 2. Note 5.
16.
Of what promise did Joseph remind his brothers just
before his death? Gen. 50: 24.
17.
What request showed his strong faith in the fulfillment
of the promise? Verses 25, 26.
Notes
1.
"Evidently Joseph's invitation to his father to come to
him in Egypt aroused very earnest questionings in Jacob's
soul. Was it a wise step for him to take? Perhaps he re-
membered Gen. 15: 13, and dreaded to take the risk. Under
these circumstances he went to Beersheba, the well of the
oath, so intimately associated with the lives of Abraham and
Isaac, and from which he had gone forth On his life's pil-
grimage. There he offered special sacrifices and received
special directions and promises. He was not only to go down
into Egypt, but to go there under the divine guidance and
protection. When we visit Egypt at our own impulse we shall
land ourselves, as Abraham and Isaac did, in temptation and
failure; but when God bids us go, we may make the journey
with absolute impunity. Though we walk through the dark
valley, we need not fear, if He be with us."—
Meyer.
2.
"The promise had been given to Abraham of a posterity
numberless as the stars; but as yet the chosen people had in-
creased but slowly. And the land of Canaan now offered no
field for the development of such a nation as had been fore-
told. It was in the poSsession of powerful heathen tribes.
. . . Egypt, however, offered the conditions necessary to the
fulfillment of the divine purpose. A section of country, well
watered and fertile, was open to them there, affording every
advantage for their speedy increase."—"Patriarchs
and
Prophets," p. 232.
3.
Joseph showed still further his nobleness of character
in the way he treated his father. He went out to meet him
with a chariot and servants. He embraced him, and kissed
him, and honored him. Then he introduced him to the king,
not as one of whom he was ashamed and for whom he felt he
must apologize, but as one in whom he took an honorable
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
17
pride. And Jacob, we must remember, was not used to the
ways of the court. "To the courtiers of Pharaoh's palace
he would seem simple, rustic, rude, and half civilized. He
could not have presented himself in court attire. He cer-
tainly would not have been able to speak in court dialect, and
would have been wholly unused to court etiquette.
"Quite likely it was expected that Jacob would prostrate
himself before the king, as was the custom. But Jacob's
life, close to the King of heaven, placed him above a heathen
king, though the greatest monarch on earth, and 'in conscious
superiority, he raised his hands and blessed Pharaoh.'
"There was great respect for old •age in Egypt; and
Pharaoh, who might have resented the assumption of su-
periority, had it been made by a younger man, yielded grace-
fully to one so far advanced in years, and bent, it may be,
to receive the benediction."—Rawlinson.
4.
"The fear of Joseph's brethren illustrates the insecurity
of a position which is conceded only at the bidding of the ten-
der caprice of love, apart from satisfaction based on satis-
fied justice.. As Joseph had pardoned, so he might retract
his pardon. No satisfaction, beyond tears, had been rendered
for that far-away sin. Might he not even now require it!'
So fears might legitimately arise in our hearts, had not the
divine forgiveness been based on the finished work of the
cross
!"—Meyer.
5.
Joseph had lived at home in Hebron seventeen years.
For ten years he was a slave in Egypt, three years in an
Egyptian prison, and eighty years ruler in Egypt.
Lesson 6 — Moses
NOVEMBER 11,
1922
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Exodus 1; 2: 1-15; 3: 1-20; 4.
LESSON HELP:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 241-256.
Daily Study Outline
1.
Restrictions about Israel, questions 1-4.
2.
An adopted son, questions 3-7.
3.
Moses in. Midian, questions S-11.
4.
A great responsibility, questions 12-15.
5.
Convincing signs, questions 16-18.
6.
Read the Lesson Help.
7.
Review the lesson.
Questions
1. How had the children of Israel prospered while in Egypt?
What change had time wrought in rulership ? What
did the Egyptians fear? Ex. 1: 7-10.
18
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
2.
What course did the new king follow to check the growth
of the Israelitish people? What cruel command did
he finally give? Verses 11-14, 22. Note 1.
3.
While this decree was in force, what child was born in a
Levite home? What plan did the mother adopt that
she might save his life? Ex. 2: 1-3.
4.
What led the parents of Moses to put forth special efforts
to save the life of their child? Heb. 11: 23. Note 2.
5.
By what providences was the child saved and cared for?
Ex. 2: 4-9. Note 3.
6.
Into what tender relationship did Pharaoh's daughter re-
ceive the child? What was the nature and extent of
his training in his royal surroundings? Verse 10;
Acts 7: 21, 22.
7.
What momentous decision did Moses make when he
came to years of maturity? Heb. 11: 24-26. Note 4.
8.
What crisis came into the experience of Moses when he
was about forty years of age? How long did he
remain in the land of Midian? Ex. 2: 11-15; Acts
7:23-30.
9.
With whom did Moses make his home in Midian? What
occupation did he follow while there? Ex. 3: 1.
10.
In what strange way did the Lord appear to Moses ?
What outward manifestation of reverence did he re-
quire? Verses 2-6. Note 5.
11.
What promise of long standing, dear to the heart of every
Israelite, was the Lord about to fulfill? What part
did He call upon Moses to act in the deliverance of
His people? Verses 7-10.
12.
How did Moses feel about accepting this great responsi-
bility? What assurance did the Lord give him?
Verses 11, 12. Note 6.
13.
What was Moses to say should the children of Israel
hesitate to believe his message and accept his leader-
ship? Verses 13-15.
14.
To whom was Moses to give his message? Of what
promise were they to be reminded? Verses 16, 17.
15.
What requests were they to make of the king of Egypt?
Of what was Moses forewarned? What assurance of
final success was given? Verses 18-20.
16.
What signs did the Lord give Moses power to perform
to confirm his own faith, and that of the Israelites?
Ex. 4: 1-9.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
19
17.
Notwithstanding all this, what excuse did Moses plead?
How did the Lord answer him? What provision was
then made? Verses 10-17. Note 7.
18.
What instruction did the Lord give to Aaron? What
did Moses tell Aaron? What was the happy result
of their message to the people? Verses 27-31.
Notes
1.
"Satan was the mover in this matter. He knew that
a deliverer was to be raised up among the Israelites; and by
leading the king to destroy their children he hoped to defeat
the divine purpose. But the women feared God, and dared
not execute the cruel mandate. The Lord approved their
course, and prospered them. The king, angry at the failure
of his design, made the command more urgent and extensive.
The whole nation was called upon to hunt out and slaughter
his helpless victims."—"Patriarchs
and Prophets," p..242.
The more they afflicted them, the more they grew! "Times
of affliction have often been the church's growing times.
Christianity spread most when it was persecuted; the blood of
the martyrs was the seed of the church."—
M. Henry.
"The proposed effect of this oppression .was (1) to de-
stroy their physical strength; (2) to break their spirit and
courage; (3) to check their increase by destroying thrift,
thus leading to disease; and (4) perhaps to make them so
wretched that they would destroy their children to save them
from so hard a
life."— Peloubet.
2.
"The babe was 'a goodly child;' and the parents, be-
lieving that the time of Israel's release was drawing near,
and that God would raise up a deliverer for His people, de-
termined that their little one should not be sacrificed. Faith
in God strengthened their hearts, 'and they were not afraid
of the king's commandment.'
"—"Patriarchs and Prophets,"
pp. 242, 243.
3.
"Jochebed was a woman and a slave. Her lot in life
was humble, her burden heavy. But through no other woman,
save Mary of Nazareth, has the world received greater bless-
ing. Knowing that her child must soon pass beyond her care,
to the guardianship of those who knew not God, she the more
earnestly endeavored to link his soul with heaven. She sought
to implant in his heart love and loyalty to God. And faith-
fully was the work accomplished. Those principles of truth
that were the burden of his mother's teaching and the les-
son of her life, no after-influence could induce Moses to re-
nounce."—"Education," p.
61.
4.
We do not know what was the occasion of this great
decision. But in some way, Moses had come to the place where
he must go wholly with the Egyptians in religion and life, or
he must choose God, the truth, and the afflicted people of God.
20
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
Like most great decisions, his case turned on an act which de-
termined his whole future course. The fact that this deci-
sion was made through faith shows that it was not a sudden
passionate impulse, but a deliberate choice of God and
righteousness.
5.
Here is taught an important lesson concerning reverence.
In the East, when a person enters a place of worship, a home,
or sometimes when he stands in the presence of one of su-
perior rank, the shoes, which ordinarily consist of soles tied
to the feet by straps running over the instep, are removed out
of reverence or respect. With those of the West, the equiva-
lent is signified by the removal of the hat, with this difference:
the removal of the shoes is with an Oriental a confession of
unworthiness to stand in the presence of one of superior
holiness or power.
"Humility and reverence should characterize the deport-
ment of all who come into the presence of God. In the name
of Jesus we may come before Him with confidence, but we
must not approach Him with the boldness of presumption, as
though He were on a level with ourselves. There• are those
who address the great and all-powerful and holy God, who
dwelleth in light unapproachable, as they would address an
equal, or even an inferior. There are those who conduct
themselves in His house as they would not presume to do in
the audience-chamber of an earthly
ruler."—"Patriarchs and
Prophets," p. 252.
6.
"After this experience, Moses heard the call from
heaven to exchange his shepherd's crook for the rod of au-
thority; to leave his flock of sheep and take the leadership of
Israel. The divine command found him self-distrustful, slow
of speech, and timid. He was overwhelmed with a sense of his
incapacity to be a mouthpiece for God. But he accepted the
work, putting his whole trust in the Lord. The greatness of
his mission called into exercise the best powers of his mind.
God blessed his ready obedience, and he became eloquent,
hopeful, self-possessed, fitted for the greatest work ever given
to man."—"Ministry
of Healing," p. .475.
7.
"A man will gain power and efficiency as he accepts
the responsibilities that God places upon him, and with his
whole soul seeks to qualify himself to bear them aright. How-
ever humble his position or limited his ability, that man will
attain true greatness who, trusting to divine strength, seeks
to perform his work with fidelity. Had Moses relied upon his
own strength and wisdom and eagerly accepted the great
charge, he would have evinced his entire unfitness for such a
work. The fact that a man feels his weakness, is at least
some evidence that he realizes the magnitude of the work ap-
pointed him, and that he will make God his counselor and his
strength."—"Patriarchs
and Prophets," p. 255.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
21
Lesson 7 - Moses and Aaron Before Pharaoh
NOVEMBER 18, 1922
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Exodus 5; 6: 1-9; 7.
LESSON HELP: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 259-272.
Daily Study Outline
1.
A request and the immediate results, ques-
tions 1-4.
2.
Protests and complaints, questions 5-7.
3.
A comforting message, questions 8-10.
4.
Judgments and signs, questions 11-14.
5.
The plagues, questions 15-17.
6.
Read the Lesson Help.
7.
Review the lesson.
Questions
1.
When the children of Israel had accepted the words of
Moses and Aaron, what request did these leaders
make of Pharaoh? Ex. 5: 1, 3.
2.
How did Pharaoh reply? Verses 2, 4, 5. Note 1.
3.
What command did Pharaoh then issue to the Egyptian
taskmasters ? Verses 6-9.
4.
What severe hardships were thus brought upon the
•
people? Verses 10-14. Note 2.
5.
What protest did they make against these oppressive re-
quirements? What answer was given to them? Verses
15-19.
6.
With what words of complaint and reproach did the
officers of the Israelites accuse Moses and Aaron?
Verses 20, 21.
7.
What shows that Moses shared in the spirit of the people?
Verses 22, 23.
8.
What are the leading features in the comforting and
encouraging message that the Lord gave to Moses?
Ex. 6: 1-8.
9.
To whom did Moses repeat these words ? With what
result? Verse 9. Note 3.
10.
What relationship did the Lord say Moses was to sustain
to Pharaoh ? In what capacity was Aaron to serve
Moses ? Ex. 7: 1, 2.
11.
Of what did the Lord warn Moses concerning Pharaoh?
Verses 3, 4.
12.
What were the Egyptians to learn from these judgments?
Verse 5.
13.
How old were Moses and Aaron when called to this
important task? Verse 7.
22
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
14.
What did the Lord instruct Moses and Aaron to do when
Pharaoh should ask a sign confirming their authority?
Verses 8-10.
15.
By what means did Pharaoh endeavor to disprove the
signs confirming the authority of Moses and Aaron?
Verses 11, 12. Note 4.
16.
How many of the plagues did the magicians endeavor to
counterfeit? With what one did they fail? What
were they compelled to acknowledge? Ex. 7: 20-22;
8: 5-7, 17-19.
17.
What was Pharaoh's attitude after each plague had
been removed? Ex. 7:22; 8: 15, 19, 32; 9:7, 12, 34,
35; 10: 20, 27; 14: 5. Note 5.
Notes
1.
"In the command for Israel's release, the Lord said to
Pharaoh, 'Israel is My son, even My first-born. . . . Let My
son go, that he may serve Me.' Ex. 4: 22, 23. The psalmist
tells us why God delivered Israel from Egypt: 'He brought
forth His people with joy, and His chosen with gladness; and
gave them the lands of the heathen; and they inherited the
labor of the people; that they might observe His statutes,
and keep His laws.' Ps. 105: 43-45. Here we learn that the
Hebrews could not serve God in Egypt. . . .
"The Sabbath was one of the things in which they could
not serve the Lord in Egypt; and when Moses and Aaron
came with the message of God (Ex. 4: 29-31), they attempted
a reform, which only increased the oppression. The Israelites
were delivered that they might. observe the statutes of the
Lord, including the fourth commandment, and this placed
upon them an additional obligation, to keep the Sabbath
strictly, as well as to keep all the commandments."—"Patri-
archs
and Prophets," Appendix, note 4.
2.
The Egyptians made Israel serve with "rigor." Ex.
1: 13. "The word translated 'rigor' is a very rare one. It is
derived from a root which means to
break in pieces, to crush."
—Rawlinson.
"From the original word here used comes the Latin
ferot,
and the English
fierce."— Bush.
"Such rigor is seen pictured on the ancient monuments of
Egypt; heavy burdens, savage whips wielded by taskmasters,
poor food, naked backs, intolerable suffering."—
Pelou bet.
3.
"The Hebrews had expected to obtain their freedom
without any special trial of their faith, or any real suffering
or hardship. But they were not yet prepared for deliverance.
They had little faith in God, and were unwilling patiently to
endure their afflictions until He should see fit to work for
them. Many were content to remain in bondage, rather than
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON 'QUARTERLY
23
meet the difficulties attending removal to a strange land; and
the habits of some had become so much like those of the
Egyptians that they preferred to dwell in Egypt. There-
fore the Lord did not deliver them by the first manifestation
of His power before Pharaoh. He overruled events more
fully to develop the tyrannical spirit of the Egyptian king,
and also to reveal Himself to His people. Beholding His
. justice, His power, and His love, they would choose to leave
Egypt and give themselves to His service. The task of Moses
would have been much less difficult, had not many of the
Israelites become so corrupted that they were unwilling to
leave
Egypt."—"Patriarchs and Prophets," p. 260.
4.
"The magicians did not really cause their rods to be-
come serpents; but by magic, aided by the great deceiver,
they were able to produce this appearance. It was beyond
the power of Satan to change the rods to living serpents. The
prince of evil, though possessing all the wisdom and might
of an angel fallen, has not power to create, or to give life;
this is the prerogative of God alone. But all that was in
Satan's power to do, he did; he produced a counterfeit. To
human sight the rods were changed to serpents. Such they
were believed to be by Pharaoh and his court. There was
nothing in their appearance to distinguish them from the
serpent produced by Moses. Though the Lord caused the
real serpent to swallow up the spurious ones, yet even this
was regarded by Pharaoh, not as a work of God's power, but
as the result of a kind of magic superior to that of his
servants."— Id., p. 264.
5.
"God had declared concerning Pharaoh, 'I will harden
his heart, that he shall not let the people go.' There was no
exercise of supernatural power to harden the heart of the
king. God gave to Pharaoh the most striking evidence of di-
vine power; but the monarch stubbornly refused to heed the
light. Every display of infinite power, rejected by him, ren-
dered him the more determined in his rebellion. The seeds
of rebellion that he sowed when he rejected the first miracle,
produced their harvest. As he continued to venture on in his
own course, going from one degree of stubbornness to an-
other, his heart became more and more hardened, until he was
called to look upon the cold, dead faces of the first-born."—
Id., p. 268.
Are You Preparing for the
Thirteenth Sabbath Offering?
December 30, 1922
INCA UNION MISSION (Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia)
24
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
Lesson
8
- Through the Red Sea
NOVEMBER 25, 1922
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Exodus 12: 29-38; 14; 15: 1, 22-26;
16: 2-30.
LESSON HELP: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 281-290.
Daily Study Outline
1.
A prophecy fulfilled, questions 1-4.
2.
A great deliverance, questions 5-9.
3.
Trying experiences, questions 10-15.
4.
Lessons for us, questions 16-18.
5.
Israel tested: a type, questions
°
19, 20.
6.
Read the Lesson Help.
7.
Review the lesson.
Questions
1.
After ten plagues had fallen upon Egypt, what did
Pharaoh urge the Israelites to do? Ex. 12: 29-33.
2.
How great was the multitude that left Egypt under the
leadership of Aaron and Moses? What did they take
with them? Verses 37, 38.
3.
Of what prophecy was this exodus a fulfillment? Gen.
15: 13, 14. Note 1.
4.
What special sign of God's leading went with the children
of Israel? Ex. 13: 21, 22.
5.
By what means was the route designated by which the
children of Israel were to leave Egypt? Ex. 14: 1, 2.
6.
What effort did the Egyptians make to overtake the
Israelites? Verses 3-9.
7.
What did the children of Israel say to Moses when they
discovered that they were pursued by Pharaoh's army?
How did Moses reply to them? Verses 10-14.
8.
What command did the Lord then give to Moses to give
to the children of Israel? Describe the passage of the
Israelites through the Red Sea. Verses 15-31.
9.
How did Moses and the children of Israel express their
joy for their deliverance? In whom else should dwell
the spirit of this song ? Ex. 15: 1. Note 2.
10.
What trying experience did the children of Israel meet
shortly after leaving the Red Sea? Verses 22-25.
11.
What gracious promise did God make` to Israel at this
time? Verse 26.
12.
While journeying between Elim and Sinai, concerning
what did the people complain? Ex. 16: 2, 3.
13.
What provision did the Lord make for their needs?
Verses 4-7, 14-16.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
25
14.
What similar experience did the children of Israel have
after leaving Sinai a year later? Num. 11 : 4-10, 16-
20, 31-33.
15.
How does the psalmist describe this experience? Ps. 78:
17-20; 106: 13, 14. Note 3.
16.
How should this period in the experience of the children
of Israel be regarded? 1 Cor. 10: 1-11. Note 4.
17.
What warning against following the example of Israel
is given by the Holy Ghost? Heb. 3: 7-11.
18.
What definite reason is given for God's displeasure with
ancient Israel? Verse 12..
19.
In the giving of the manna, concerning what great truth
was Israel tested? 'Ex. 16: 21-30.
20.
Of what was the falling of the manna a type? What les-
' son was it to teach? Note 5.
Notes
1.
"In Gen. 15: 13 we read that the Lord said to Abraham,
'Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land
that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict
them four hundred years.' Ex. 12: 40 says, 'The sojourning
of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hun-
dred and thirty years.' But Paul in Gal. 3: 15-17 says that
from the making of the covenant with Abraham to the giving
of the law at Sinai was four hundred and thirty years.
"From these scriptures, then, we are not to understand
that the Israelites were in Egypt four hundred years. The
actual
-
time spent in Egypt could have been only about two
hundred and fifteen years. The Bible says that 'the
sojourn-
ing
of the children of Israel' was four hundred and thirty
years. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the ancestors of the
Israelites, were sojourners in Canaan. The period of four
hundred and thirty years dates from the promise given to
Abraham when he was commanded to leave Ur of the Chal-
dees. The four hundred years of Gen. 15: 13 dates from a
later period. Notice that the period of four hundred years
is not only a time of .sojourning, but of
affliction.
This, ac-
cording to the Scriptures, must be reckoned from thirty years
later, about the time when Ishmael, 'he that was born after
the flesh, persecuted him [Isaac] that was born after the
Spirit.' Gal. 4:
29."—"Patriarchs and Prophets," Appendix,
note 6.
2.
"This song and the great deliverance which it commemo-
rates, made an impression never to be effaced from the memory
of the Hebrew people. From age to age it was echoed by the
prophets and singers of Israel, testifying that Jehovah is the
strength and deliverance of those who trust in Him. That
song does not belong to the Jewish people alone. It points
26
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
forward to the destruction of all the foes of righteousness,
and the final victory of the Israel of God. The prophet of
Patmos beholds the white-robed multitude that 'have gotten
the victory,' standing on the 'sea of glass mingled with fire,'
having 'the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses
the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb.'
" 'Not unto us, 0 Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name
give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth's sake.' Such
was the spirit that pervaded Israel's song of deliverance, and
it is the spirit that should dwell in the hearts of all who love
and fear God. In freeing our souls from the bondage of sin,
God has wrought for us a deliverance greater than that of
the Hebrews at the Red Sea. Like the Hebrew host, we should
praise the Lord with heart and soul and voice for His 'won-
derful works to the children of men.' Those who dwell upon
God's great mercies, and are not unmindful of His lesser gifts,
will put on the girdle of gladness, and make melody in their
hearts to the Lord."—
Id.,
p.
289.
3.
"They had not as yet suffered from hunger; their
present wants were supplied, but they feared for the future.
. . . The Lord permitted difficulties to surround them, and
their supply of food to be cut short, that their hearts might
turn to Him who had hitherto been their deliverer."—
Id.,
p.
292.
4.
"The history of the wilderness life of Israel was
chronicled for the benefit of the Israel of God to the close of
time. The record of God's dealings with the wanderers of the
desert in all their marchings to and fro, in their exposure to
hunger, thirst, and weariness, and in the striking manifesta-
tions of His power for their relief, is fraught with warning
and instruction for His people in all ages. The varied ex-
perience of the Hebrews was a school of preparation for their
promised home in Canaan. God would have His people in
these days review with a humble heart and teachable spirit
the trials through which ancient Israel passed, that they may
be instructed in their preparation for the heavenly Canaan."
— Id.,
p.
298.
5.
"For forty years they were daily reminded by this
miraculous provision, of God's unfailing care and tender love.
In the words of the psalmist, God gave them 'of the corn of
heaven. Man did eat angels' food,'— that is, food provided for
them by the angels. Sustained by 'the corn of heaven,' they
were daily taught that, having God's promise, they were as
secure from want as if surrounded by fields of waving grain
on the fertile plains of Canaan.
"The manna, falling from heaven for the sustenance of
Israel, was a type of Him who came from God to give life to
the world. Said Jesus, 'I am that bread of life. Your fathers
did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
27
bread which cometh down from heaven. . . . If any man eat
of this bread, he shall live forever ; and the bread that I. will
give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.' "
- Id.,
p.
297.
Lesson
9
Wilderness Experiences
DECEMBER 2, 1922
LEssoN
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 19; 20; 32; Numbers 20: 1-
12; 27: 12-14; Deuteronomy 1: 34-40; 3: 23-27.
LESSON
HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 315-330;
"Testimonies," vol. 3, pp. 298-304; vol. 4, pp. 370, 371.
Daily Study Outline
1.
The golden calf, questions 1-3.
2.
The tables of stone broken, questions 4-S.
3.
Punishment and pleading, questions 9-14.
4.
The sin of Moses and Aaron, questions 15-17.
5.
A great disappointment, questions 18-22.
6.
Read the Lesson Helps.
7.
Review the lesson.
Questions
1.
While Israel was encamped before Mount Sinai, what
command did the Lord give Moses? Ex. 19: 10, 11.
2.
Describe the appearance of the mount on the morning
of the third day. What was heard? Verses 16-19.
Note 1.
3.
As Moses led the hosts of Israel up near the mountain,
what words were heard from out of the midst of the
fire and the thick darkness?
Ans.-
The law of God
was spoken. Ex. 20: 1-17. Note 2.
4.
Later, what did the Lord ask Moses to do? How long
was Moses on the mount? Ex. 24: 12, 18.
5.
While waiting for Moses to come down from the moun-
tain, what did the children of Israel demand of Aaron?
Ex. 32: 1.
6.
How did Aaron respond to this demand? Verses 2-6.
Note 3.
7.
How did Moses learn of the apostasy of the people, and
what did the Lord tell him to do? Verses 7, 8.
8.
What did the Lord say of the people? What did He do-
sire to do to them ? Verses 9, 10. Note 4.
9.
Notwithstanding their great sin and repeated rebellion,
how did Moses plead for his brethren ? Verses 11-14.
28
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
10.
When Moses saw the people worshiping the golden calf,
what did he do ? Verses 19, 20.
11.
When questioned by Moses, how did Aaron excuse his part
in this great sin? Verses 21-24. Note 5.
12.
What command was given for freeing the camp of the
chief instigators in this idolatrous outbreak? Verses
26-28. Note 6.
13.
With what earnest words did Moses plead with God for
the forgiveness of his people? Verses 31, 32. Note 7.
14.
What was the Lord's reply? Verses 33, 34.
15.
When the children of Israel came to Kadesh, what words
of complaint and murmuring did they speak against
Moses and Aaron? Num. 20: 1-5.
16.
What did the Lord instruct Moses to do? Verses 6-9.
17.
How did Moses and Aaron fail in carrying out this in-
struction? Verses 10, 11. Note 8.
18.
Of what great privilege and honor did this act of pre-
sumption deprive Moses and Aaron? Verse 12. Note 9.
19.
What did Moses beseech the Lord to allow him to do?
Deut. 3: 23-25.
20.
What answer did the Lord make to his request? Verse
26. Note 10.
21.
How only was Moses permitted to see the land of
promise? Verse 27; Num. 27: 12-14.
22.
Who only of the children of Israel were permitted to en-
ter the promised land ? Deut. 1: 34-40.
Notes
1.
"On the morning of the third day, as the eyes of all
the people were turned toward the mount, its summit was
covered with a thick cloud, which grew more black and dense,
sweeping downward until the entire mountain was wrapped
in darkness and awful mystery. Then a sound as of a trum-
pet was heard, summoning the people to meet with God; and
Moses led them forth to the base of the mountain. From the
thick darkness flashed vivid lightnings, while peals of thun-
der echoed and reechoed among the surrounding heights. . . .
And 'the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder
and louder.' So terrible were the tokens of Jehovah's presence
that the hosts of Israel shook with fear, and fell upon their
faces before the Lord. Even Moses exclaimed, 'I exceedingly
fear and quake.'
"-"Patriarchs and Prophets,"
p.
304.
2.
"And now the thunders ceased; the trumpet was no
longer heard; the earth was still. There was a period of
solemn silence, and then the voice of God was heard. Speak-
ing out of the thick darkness that enshrouded Him, as He
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
29
stood upon the mount, surrounded by a retinue of angels, the
Lord made known His law. . . . The law was not spoken at
this time exclusively for the benefit of the Hebrews. God
honored them by making them the guardians and keepers of
His law, but it was to be held as a sacred trust for the whole
world. The precepts of the Decalogue are adapted to all man-
kind, and they were given for the instruction and government
of all. Ten precepts, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative,
cover the duty of
,
man to God and to his fellow man; and all
based upon the great fundamental principle of love."—
Id., pp.
304, 305.
3.
"Aaron had thought that Moses had been too unyield-
ing to the wishes of the people. He thought that if Moses had
been less firm, less decided at times, and that if he had made
a compromise with the people, and gratified their wishes, he
would have had less tfouble, and there would have been more
peace and harmony in the camp of Israel. He, therefore, had
been trying this new policy. He carried out his natural tem-
perament by yielding to'the wishes of the people, to save dis-
satisfaction and preserve their good will, and thereby prevent
a rebellion, which he thought would certainly come if he did
not yield to their wishes. . . .
"When, Aaron took the first step in the wrong direction,
the spirit which had actuated the people imbued him, and he
took the lead, and directed as a general, and the people were
singularly obedient. Here Aaron gave decided sanction to
the most aggravated sins, because it was less difficult than
to stand in vindication of the
right."—"Testimonies," vol. 3,
pp. 298, 299.
4.
Nowhere in the Bible is the tremendous power of ear-
nest prayer more clearly revealed than in the words of Je-
hovah to Moses —"Let Me alone."
5.
"If Aaron had had courage to stand for the right,
irrespective of consequences, he could have prevented that
apostasy. . . .
"To justify himself, Aaron endeavored to make the people
responsible for his weakness in yielding to their demand; but
notwithstanding this, they were filled with admiration of his
gentleness and patience. But God seeth not as man sees.
Aaron's yielding spirit and his desire to please, had blinded
his eyes to the enormity of the crime he was sanctioning.
His course in giving his influence to sin in Israel, cost the life
of thousands."
—"Patriarchs and Prophets," p. 323.
6.
"It was necessary that this sin should be punished,
as a testimony to surrounding nations of God's displeasure
against idolatry. By executing justice upon the guilty, Moses,
as God's instrument, must leave on record a solemn and public
protest against their crime. As the Israelites should here-
after condemn the idolatry of the neighboring tribes, their
30
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
enemies would throw back upon them the charge that the
people who claimed Jehovah as their God had made a calf and
worshiped it in Horeb. Then though compelled to acknowl-
edge the disgraceful truth, Israel could point to the terrible
fate of the transgressors, as evidence that their sin had not
been sanctioned or excused."—
Id.,
p.
325.
7.
"In the prayer of Moses, our minds are directed to the
heavenly records in which the names of all men are inscribed,
and their deeds, whether good or evil, are faithfully regis-
tered. The book of life contains the names of all who have
ever entered the service of God. If any of these depart from
Him, and by stubborn persistence in sin become finally hard-
ened against the influences of His Holy Spirit, their names
will in the Judgment be blotted from the book of life, and they
themselves will be devoted to destruction. Moses realized how
dreadful would be the fate of the sinner; yet if the people
of Israel were to be rejected by the Lord, he desired his name
to be blotted out with theirs; he could not endure to see the
judgments of God fall upon those who had been so graciously
delivered. The intercession of Moses in behalf of Israel il-
lustrates the mediation of Christ for sinful men."—Id.,
p.
326.
8.
"Moses revealed great weakness before the people.
He showed a marked lack of self-control, a spirit similar to
that possessed by the murmurers. He should have been an
example of forbearance and patience before that multitude,
who were ready to excuse their failures, disaffections, and
unreasonable murmurings, on account of this exhibition of
wrong on his part. The greatest sin consisted in assuming
to take the place of God. The position of honor that Moses
had heretofore occupied did not lessen his guilt, but greatly
magnified
it."—"Testimonies," vol. 4,
p.
370.
9.
"Moses had sinned, and his past fidelity could not atone
for the present sin. . . . Moses artd Aaron must die without
entering Canaan, subjected to the same punishment that fell
upon those in a more lowly position. They bowed in sub-
mission, though with anguish of heart that was inexpressible;
but their love for and confidence in God was unshaken. Their
example is a lesson that many pass over without learning
from it as they should. Sin does not appear sinful. Self-
exaltation does not appear to them grievous."—
Ibid.
10.
"The cases of Moses and Aaron, of David, and nu-
merous others, show that it is not a safe thing to sin in
word, or thought, or deed. . . . The touching plea made by
Moses that he might be privileged to enter Canaan was
steadfastly refused. The transgression at Kadesh had been
open and marked; and the more exalted the position of the
offender, the more distinguished the man, the firmer was the
decree, and the more certain the punishment."—
Id.,
pp.
370, 371.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
31
Lesson 10 - Disobedience and Rebellion
of Israel
DECEMBER
9, 1922
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Leviticus 10: 1-10; Numbers 16; 17:
1-10.
LESSON HELP:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 359-362,
395-405.
Daily Study Outline
1.
Experience of Nadab and Abihn, questions 1-3.
2.
Rebellion against leaders, questions 4-7.
3.
Punishment of offenders, questions 8-12.
4.
The congregation complains, questions 13-17.
5.
The Lord's choice, questions 18, 19.
6.
Read the Lesson Help.
7.
Review the lesson.
Quiestions
1.
What notable act of disobedience did the sons of Aaron
commit? What punishment was visited upon them?
Lev. 10: 1-3. Note 1.
2.
What important lesson should we learn from this occur-
rence? Verse 10. Note 2.
3.
What instruction did the Lord give Aaron? Verse 9.
Note 3.
4.
What rebellion arose in the camp of Israel ? Num.
16: 1-3.
5.
What did Moses discern was the real cause for this re-
bellion? Verses 8-11.
6.
How did Dathan and Abiram answer when called to ap-
pear before Moses? With what did they charge Moses
and Aaron? Verses 12-14.
7.
In their accusation of Moses, whom did they really charge
as responsible for their troubles? Ex. 16: 8, last part.
8.
How far did Korah extend the influence of his disaffec-
tion? Num. 16: 19.
9.
What did the Lord say to Moses and Aaron? What plea
did they make? Verses 20-22.
10.
By what means were the people separated from the
leaders in the rebellion? Verses 23-27.
11.
In what manner was the Lord to signify His approval of
the leadership of Moses? Verses 28-30.
12.
What came to pass when Moses ceased speaking? Who
besides Korah, Dathan, and Abiram were destroyed?
Verses 31-35.
32
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
13.
What did the congregation do the following day?
Verse 41.
14.
Against whom did they assemble themselves ? Verse 42.
15.
What did the Lord say to Moses at this time? Verses
44, 45.
16.
What instruction did Moses give to Aaron? Verses 46, 47.
17.
How many of the congregation died as a result of this
plague? Verse 49. Note 4.
18.
By what sign did the Lord make known His choice for
the priesthood in Israel? Num. 17: 1-5.
19.
What was the result of this test? Verses 6-10. Note 5.
Notes
1.
"Nadab and Abihu had not in their youth been trained
to habits of self-control. The father's yielding disposition,
his lack of firmness for right, had led him to neglect the dis-
cipline of his children. His sons.had been permitted to follow
inclination. Habits of self-indulgence, long cherished, ob-
tained a hold upon them which even the responsibility of
the most sacred office had not power to break. They had not
been taught to respect the authority of their father, and they
did not realize the necessity of exact obedience to the re-
quirements of God. Aaron's mistaken indulgence of his sons,
prepared them to become the subjects of the divine judg-
ments."—"Patriarchs
and Prophets," p. 360.
2.
"God designed to teach the people that they must ap-
proach Him with reverence and awe, and in His own ap-
pointed manner. He cannot accept partial obedience. It was
not enough that in this solemn season of worship
nearly
everything was done as He had directed. God has pro-
nounced a curse upon those who depart from His com-
mandments, and put,,no difference between common and holy
things."—
Ibid.
3.
"Nadab and Abihu would never have committed that
fatal sin, had they not first become partially intoxicated by the
free use of wine. . . . Their minds became confused, and
their moral perceptions dulled, so that they could not discern
the difference between the sacred and the common."—
Id.,
pp. 361, 362.
4.
"Do not the same evils still exist that lay at the foun-
dation of Korah's ruin? Pride and ambition are widespread;
and when these are cherished, they open the door to envy, and
a striving for supremacy; the soul is alienated from God, and
unconsciously drawn into the ranks of Satan. Like Korah
and his companions, many, even of the professed followers of
Christ, are thinking, planning, and working so eagerly for
self-exaltation, that in order to gain the sympathy and sup-
port of the people, they are ready to pervert the truth,
falsifying and misrepresenting the Lord's servants, and even
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
33
charging them with the base and selfish motives that inspire
their own hearts. By persistently reiterating falsehood, and
that against all evidence, they at last come to believe it to be
truth. While endeavoring to destroy the confidence of the
people in the men of God's appointment, they really believe
that they are engaged in a good work, verily doing God
service."—
Id.,
pp.
403, 404.
5. "Every advance made by those whom God has called
to lead in His work, has excited suspicion; every act has
been misrepresented by the jealous and faultfinding. Thus it
was in the time of Luther, of the Wesleys and other re-
formers. Thus it is to-day.
"Korah would not have taken the course he did, had he
known
that all the directions and reproofs communicated to
Israel were from God. But he might have known this. God
had given overwhelming evidence that He was leading Israel.
But Korah and his companions rejected light until they
became so blinded that the most striking manifestations of
HIS power were not sufficient to convince them."—
Id.,
pp.
404, 405.
Lesson 11— The Death of Aaron and Moses
DECEMBER 16, 1922
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Numbers 20: 14-29; Deuteronomy 32:
48-51; 34: 5-12.
LESSON HELP: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 422-432,
469-480.
Daily Study Outline
1.
A request denied, questions 1-3.
2.
Death of Aaron, questions 4-7.
3.
Death of Moses, questions 8-10.
4.
Moses a type, questions 11-10.
5.
Read "Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 422-432.
0. Read "Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 469-480.
7. Review the lesson.
Questions
1.
Through what country did Moses ask permission to pass
as Israel journeyed toward the promised land? Num.
20: 14-17.
2.
What reply was made to this request? What assurance
did Israel give Edom ? What was the final decision?
Verses 18-21. Note 1.
3.
What course did the Israelites then take as they con-
tinued on their way? Verse 22. Note
34
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
4.
What sorrowful message did the Lord give Moses and
Aaron at Mount Hor ? On what account was Aaron
denied the head of the priesthood in the promised land ?
Verses 23, 24.
5.
Who was to be Aaron's successor in the priesthood?
Verses 25, 26; Deut. 10: 6. Note 3.
6.
Describe the events attending the death of Aaron. Num.
20: 27-29.
7.
How old was Aaron when he died? Num. 33: 38, 39.
8.
In connection with the rehearsal of the law to Israel the
second time, what command did the Lord give Moses ?
Deut. 32: 48-50. Note 4.
9.
Why was he not permitted to lead Israel into the promised
land? Verse 51. Note 5.
10.
Where and by whom was Moses buried? What is said of
his natural strength and vigor? Deut. 34: 5-7.
11.
How did Moses rank among the prophets of Israel ?
Verses 10-12.
12.
Of whom was the life of Moses a type? Deut. 18: 15.
13.
What was the great desire of Moses before his death?
Deut. 3: 23-25.
14.
Upon what occasion was this desire realized? Matt. 17:
1-8. Note 6.
15.
Who called Moses to life from his resting place in the
valley of Moab ? Jude 9. Note 7.
16.
For what purpose was he presented in the transfigura-
tion ? Note 8.
Notes
1.
"It was an ungracious act on the part of the Edomites
- descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother - to forbid the pas-
sage of the chosen people through their territory; and it was
never forgotten. It is referred to again and again in the
strongest terms by prophet and psalmist."-
Meyer.
2.
"The hosts of Israel again turned toward the south,
and made their way over sterile wastes, that seemed even
more dreary after a glimpse of the green spots among the
hills and valleys of Edom. From the mountain range over-
looking this gloomy desert, rises Mount
Hor."-"Patriarchs
and Prophets,"
p. 424.
3.
"With deep sorrow, Moses removed from Aaron the
holy vestments, and placed them upon Eleazar, who thus be-
came his successor by divine appointment. For his sin at
Kadesh, Aaron was denied the privilege of officiating as God's
high priest in Canaan,- of offering the first sacrifice in the
goodly land, and thus consecrating the inheritance of Israel.
. . . A wrong act can never be undone. It may be that the
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
35
work of a lifetime will not recover what has been lost in a
single moment of temptation or even thoughtlessness."—
Id.,
p. 426.
4.
"Moses turned from the congregation, and in silence
and alone made his way up the mountain side. He went to
the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah.' "—
Id.,
p.
471.
"And now a panoramic view of the land of promise was
presented to him. . . . In this scene it was presented, not
as it then appeared, but as it would become, with God's
blessing upon it, in the possession of Israel. He seemed to
be looking upon a second Eden."—
Id.,
p. 472.
"Moses saw the chosen people established in Canaan,
each of the tribes in its own possession. He had a view of
their history after the settlement of the promised land; the
long, sad story of their apostasy and its punishment was
spread out before him. . . . He was permitted to look down
the stream of time, and behold the first advent of our Saviour.
Tie
saw Jesus as a babe in Bethlehem. . . . He beheld
Christ's humble life in Nazareth, His ministry of love and
sympathy and healing, his rejection by a proud, unbelieving
nation. . . . He saw Jesus upon Olivet as with weeping
He bade farewell to the city of His love. . . . He followed the
Saviour to Gethsemane, and beheld the agony in the garden,
the betrayal, the mockery and scourging,— the crucifixion."
—Id.,
p. 475.
"Moses saw the light of the gospel shining out, through
the disciples of Jesus, to them 'which sat in darkness,'
and thousands from the lands of the gentiles flocking to the
brightness of its rising. And beholding, he rejoiced in the
increase and prosperity of Israel."—
Id.,
p.
476.
"Still another scene opens to his view,— the earth freed
from the curse, lovelier than the fair land of promise so
lately spread out before him. There is no sin, and death
cannot enter. There the nations of the saved find their
eternal home. With joy unutterable, Moses looks upon the
scene."—
Id.,
p. 477.
5.
"God shut Moses out of Canaan, to teach a lesson which
should never be forgotten,— that He requires exact obedience,
and that men are to beware of taking to themselves the glory
which is due to their Maker. He could not grant the prayer
of Moses that he might share the inheritance of Israel; but
He did not forget or forsake His servant. The God of heaven
understood the suffering that Moses had endured; He had
noted every act of faithful service through those long years of
conflict and trial."—
Id.,
p.
479.
6.
"Upon the mount of transfiguration, Moses was pres-
ent with Elijah, who had been translated. They were sent as
the bearers of light and glory from the Father to His Son.
And thus the prayer of Moses, uttered so many centuries
before, was at last fulfilled. He stood upon 'the goodly
36
SABBATH
*
SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
mountain,' within the heritage of his people, bearing witness
to Him in whom all the promises to Israel centered. Such
is the last scene revealed to mortal vision in the history of
that man so highly honored of Heaven."—
Ibid.
7.
"Christ Himself, with the angels who had buried Moses,
came down from heaven to call forth the sleeping saint. . . .
For the first time, Christ was about to give life to the dead.
As the Prince of life and the shining ones approached the
grave, Satan was alarmed for his supremacy. With his evil
angels he stood to dispute an invasion of the territory that he
claimed as his own. He boasted that the servant of God had
become his prisoner. . . . The Saviour entered into no dis-
pute with His adversary, but He then and there began His
work of breaking the power of the fallen foe, and bringing
the dead to life."—
Id.,
pp.
478, 479.
8.
"Upon the mount the future kingdom of glory was
represented, in miniature,— Christ the king, Moses a repre-
sentative of the risen saints, and Elijah of the translated
ones."—"The
Desire of Ages," p. 422.
Lesson 12—Joshua as Leader
DECEMBER 23, 1922
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Numbers 27: 18-21; Joshua 1: 1-8;
3: 7-17; 5: 10-12; 6:1-20; 7: 1-26; 23: 1-16; 24: 16-18, ,31.
LESSON HELP: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 481-524.
Daily Study Outline
1.
A new lender, questions 1-7.
2.
"Go forward," questions S-11.
3.
A great victory, questions 12-15.
4.
Humiliating defeat, dividing the land, ques-
tions 16-1S.
5.
Last words of Joshua, questions 19-22.
6.
Read the Lesson Help.
7.
Review the lesson.
Questions
1.
How certain and complete was to be the movement which
began with the exodus of Israel from Egypt? Deut.
•
6:23. Note 1.
2.
Whom did the Lord choose for a leader to take the place
of Moses ? What essential qualification did he have ?
Num. 27: 18-20.
3.
What responsibility was to rest upon Joshua? Verse 21.
4.
What words of encouragement were given to Joshua?
Deut. 31: 7, 8.
5.
In connection with what experience does Joshua first ap-
pear in the Scripture narrative? Ex. 17: 9-14. Note 2.
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
37
6.
In what other experience did Joshua distinguish himself
as a man of courage and faith? Num. 14: 4-10.
7.
What position did Joshua hold at the time of Moses'
death? Joshua 1: 1. Note 3.
8.
What was the first command the Lord issued to Joshua ?
How extensive was the territory he was ;to conquer ?
Verses 2-4.
9.
What encouraging promise did the Lord make to Joshua ?
Upon what did his success depend? Verses 5-8.
10.
What evidence did the Lord desire to give Israel concern-
ing Joshua ? Joshua 3: 7.
11.
Describe the passing of the children of Israel across the
Jordan into the promised land. Verses 11-17.
12.
At what place did the Israelites encamp after passing
over the Jordan? What miracle of long standing,
ceased at this time? Joshua 5: 10-12.
13.
What was the first object of their conquest upon enter-
ing Canaan? Joshua 6: 1, 2.
14.
Describe the fall of Jericho. Verses 3, 11-16, 20.
15.
By what means, does the apostle Paul say, was the city
taken? Heb. 11:30. Note 4.
16.
In what conquest was the self-confidence of Joshua and
Israel severely rebuked? Joshua 7: 1-5. Note 5.
17.
What was the cause of this defeat? How was it dis-
covered and punished? Verses 10-26. Note 6.
18.
Before the death of Joshua, what division was made of
the land of Canaan? Joshua 11:23.
19.
Near the close of Joshua's life, whom did he call together ?
Joshua 23: 1, 2.
20.
What words of encouragement, warning, and counsel did
he speak to this assembly? Verses 13-16.
21.
What, was the answer of the people to these words ?
Joshua 24: 16-18.
22.
How truly was this promise of the people carried out?
Verse 31.
Notes
1. The movement that began with the exodus of Israel
from Egypt was to be a complete movement. It was not de-
signed to bring a people out of bondage and leave them
stranded in the wilderness. It was to continue through to
a complete deliverance, culminating in the possession of the
promised land. This movement stands as a type of the de-
liverance of God's people in the final movement connected
with the closing work of God in the earth. The message
which called a people out of the world, separating them from
38
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
darkness and confusion, and turning their footsteps toward
the eternal kingdom, is not a movement that will leave its
adherents by the way with the goal unreached. God has
called us "out" by this message, that He might lead us "in."
Only unbelief, murmuring, and faint-heartedness can keep
those connected with this movement from entering in, as in
the case of Israel of old.
2.
The choosing of Joshua to take the place of Moses, was
not a hasty emergency measure. Joshua had been associated
with Moses many years, and had developed marked evidences
of leadership, wisdom, and faith. He had been tried and
tested, and found true to his charge. He had been given to
understand that he would at a future time be a leader of
Israel. (See Ex. 17: 14.) He was one of the two spies who
brought back a good report of his expedition into Canaan,
and turned a threatened apostasy and revolt into a victory
for God. These long years of association with Moses while
passing through severe experiences were a preparation for
future successful leadership.
3.
"During the sojourn in the wilderness he had acted
as prime minister to Moses, and by his quiet, unpretending
fidelity, his steadfastness when others wavered, his firmness
to maintain the truth in the midst of danger, he had given
evidence of his fitness to succeed Moses, even before he was
called to the position by the voice of
God."—"Patriarchs and
Prophets,"
pp. 481,
482.
4.
" 'By faith the walls of Jericho fell down.' Heb. 11: 30.
Whose faith? To some extent it was the faith of the people,
who marched round them day by day in full assurance that
God would not fail. But Joshua and Caleb preeminently were
deeply concerned in the wonderful result.
"To the citizens the action of the Israelite invaders must
have appeared incomprehensible and even ludicrous. What
do these feeble folk? But God's people were being daily
trained in patience, obedience, and humility. Let God per-
form all things for you! Many strongholds of the enemy
which now remain obstinate would fall if only all the church
would encompags them in faith."—
Meyer.
5.
"The great victory that God had gained for them had
made the Israelites self-confident. Because He had promised
them the land of Canaan, they felt secure, and failed to realize
that divine help alone could give them success. Even Joshua
laid his plans for the conquest of Ai, without seeking counsel
from
God."—"Patriarchs and Prophets," p. 493.
6.
"The deadly sin that led to Achan's ruin had its root
in covetousness, of all sins one of the most common and the
most lightly regarded. While other offenses meet with de-
tection and punishment, how rarely does the violation of the
tenth commandment so much as call forth censure. The
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
39
enormity of this sin, and its terrible results, are the lessons
of Achan's history."—
Id.,
p.
496.
"Everywhere its slimy track is seen. It creates discon-
tent and dissension in families; it excites envy and hatred in
the poor against the rich; it prompts the grinding oppression
of the rich toward the poor. And this evil exists not in the
world alone, but in the church. . . . Many a man comes
statedly to church, and sits at the table of the Lord, while
among his possessions are hidden unlawful gains, the things
that God has cursed. For a goodly Babylonish garment, mul-
titudes sacrifice the approval of conscience and their hope of
heaven. Multitudes barter their integrity, and their capa-
bilities for usefulness, for a bag of silver shekels. The cries
of the suffering poor are unheeded; the gospel light is hindered
in its course; the scorn of worldlings is kindled by practices
that give the lie to the Christian profession; and yet the
covetous professor continues to heap up treasures. Will a
man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me,' saith the Lord."
— Id.,
p. 497.
Lesson
13
Review
DECEMBER 30, 1922
Daily Study Outline
1.
Early history. of Joseph, questions 1-4.
2.
God's plan for Israel, questions 5-S.
3.
Early history of Moses, questions 9, 10.
4.
A promise renewed, questions 11-13.
5.
The Lord's care for His people, questions
14, 15.
6.
Sin and its consequences, questions 16, 17.
7.
Practical lessons, questions 18, 19.
Questions
1.
What lessons concerning the evil results of favoritism
can we learn from Joseph's early training? Gen. 37: 3, 4.
2.
How was the jealousy of his brothers greatly increased?
Verses 5-11.
3.
By whose special help was Joseph enabled to endure the
trials of his Egyptian bondage? Acts 7: 9, 10.
4.
What great opportunity came to Joseph, while he was in
prison, to witness to the true God? Gen. 41: 14-32.
5.
After proving true to God under severe trials, to what
position of trust was Joseph exalted? Verses 39-44.
6.
What circumstances were so ordered of God as to bring
Joseph and his brothers together again? Gen. 42: 1-3.
7.
In what light did Joseph regard the experiences which
brought him clown to Egypt? Gen. 45: 4-8,
40
SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
8.
How was Joseph's magnanimity shown in his dealings
.
with his brothers? Gen. 45: 21-23; 47: 11, 12.
9.
What providential circumstances surrounded the birth and
•
early training of Moses? Ex. 2: 1-10; Acts 7:22.
10.
What life work did the influences of his early training
lead him to choose? Heb. 11: 24-26.
11.
What promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was
now to be fulfilled? Ex. 6: 6-8.
12.
What lesson did the Lord wish to teach the Egyptians in
sending the plagues upon Egypt? Ex. 7: 5.
13.
Whom did the Lord choose to lead His people from Egypt
to Canaan? Verses 1, 2.
14.
In what miraculous way did the Lord provide for the tem-
poral needs of the people during their journey? Ex.
16:4, 35; 17: 1-6; Ps. 105: 37; Deut. 29: 5.
15.
What attitude of mind and heart brought destruction to
many during their wilderness wanderings ? Num.
11:1, 10; 14: 26, 27.
16.
How did the Lord teach Israel the results of disobedience
and rebellion ? Num. 16: 1-3, 23-35.
17.
What were the nature and consequences of the sin of
Aaron and Moses at Kadesh ? Of what were they de-
prived because of this ? Num. 20: 7-12.
18.
What lessons may .be learned from these examples of
God's dealing with sin ? Note 1.
19.
What are some of the outstanding characteristics, in the
life and work of Joshua? Note 2.
Notes
1.
"Moses was not guilty of a great crime, as men would
view the matter;. his sin was one of common occurrence. The
psalmist says that 'he spake unadvisedly with his lips.' To
human judgment this may seem a light thing; but if God dealt
so severely with this sin in His most faithful and honored
servant, He will not excuse it in others. The spirit of self-
exaltation, the disposition to censure our brethren, is dis-
pleasing to God. Those who indulge in these evils cast
doubt upon the work of God, and give the skeptical an excuse
for their unbelief."—"Patriarchs
and Prophets," p. 420.
2.
"Courageous, resolute, and persevering, prompt, incor-
ruptible, unmindful of selfish interests in his care for those
committed to his charge, and, above all, inspired by a living
faith in God,— such was the character of the /man divinely
chosen to conduct the armies of Israel in their entrance upon
the promised land."—
Id., p. 481.
